Professor Lex Doyle AO has dedicated nearly half a century to the most vulnerable of patients - preterm babies.
When Professor Lex Doyle began his career in the 1970s, most premature babies born before 28 weeks of pregnancy died.
Through research and advancements in care, equipment and technology, babies born before 28 weeks of gestation are now surviving into adulthood at higher rates than ever. However, some preterm babies who survive have ongoing health problems.
Prof Doyle dedicated his career to understanding the long‑term impacts of neonatal treatment on the future health of children. His research helped save the lives of preterm babies and minimise the chance of long‑term disability associated with preterm birth. In the 1980s, he played a key role in establishing the Victorian Infant Collaborative Study Group.
This long‑term study, which followed prematurely born infants throughout their childhood and into adulthood, continues today. He also worked on longitudinal studies of children born at the Women’s.
Over his career, Prof Doyle has been published in over 670 scientific articles and spoken at more than 150 conferences internationally. His expertise is sought all over the world, especially in developing countries where his work has been particularly influential.
In addition to his extensive research, Prof Doyle has also been deeply involved in undergraduate and postgraduate clinical research education, mentoring and supervision.
Professor Jeanie Cheong, a neonatal paediatrician and researcher at the Women’s, the University of Melbourne and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, was one of many mentored by Prof Doyle.
“Lex championed the development of many clinicians and researchers. A standout feature is his dedication to supporting the careers of women. He is a truly progressive thinker in all spheres,” Prof Cheong said.
Professor Peter Davis, Director of the Women’s Newborn Research Centre, was also mentored by Prof Doyle.
“Lex has shown us that babies going home after our care deserve to be counted, they matter. Because of his work, we know that they mostly do very well, live full and happy lives, bring joy to their families and enrich our society,” Prof Davis said.
Prof Doyle will retire in 2023. He chaired the Women’s Research Committee and was Professor of Neonatal Pediatrics at the University of Melbourne.
Prof Doyle’s distinguished service to medicine and medical education was recognised in 2019 when he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia, and was awarded the prestigious Howard Williams Medal from the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
Known for his humility and aversion to the limelight, Prof Doyle said the real heroes are the vulnerable babies who battle against the odds and go on to lead healthy lives. He feels privileged to have been able to play a part in making that happen.